As some of you may have already read in the news, Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) is entering a new chapter. After 15 years of leading the company, I have passed on the torch as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) recently. This transition is part of a broader preparation that will allow IDC to strengthen its foundations and expand into new opportunities. Italpinas, which started as an ambitious startup, has grown into a company recognized for its award-winning, sustainable developments across the country.
I am proud to share once again that Engr. Giuseppe Garofalo now leads Italpinas as CEO. His discipline, vision, and passion will guide the company into its next phase of growth. Under his leadership, IDC is poised to expand into the country’s most promising cities, bringing our philosophy of sustainable living to more communities. I have full confidence that he will continue to strengthen our legacy while charting bold new directions for the future.
This change is not only about leadership but about positioning IDC for the next stage of its journey. The company is preparing to enter new markets and broaden its reach, while staying true to its philosophy of eco-friendly architecture. The next chapter means building on our strengths while adapting to the evolving needs of families, businesses, and cities.
As for myself, I will remain deeply involved in the company as the Executive Chairman and Chief Design Officer, focusing on what I love most: designing, creating, and imagining better cities. This transition allows me to dedicate more time to the creative side of architecture, while also reconnecting with nature and family, which have always been my sources of inspiration.
Atty. Jojo Leviste, who co-founded Italpinas with me, remains the president and will continue to play a vital role in steering the company’s strategic direction. His steady leadership and long-standing partnership have been central to IDC’s growth from its earliest days. As we reposition the company for its next chapter, Jojo’s presence ensures continuity and stability, while also bringing fresh energy to our expansion plans.
The organizational changes align with the company’s preparations for several new projects in emerging locations such as Bukidnon, Palawan, Pampanga, and Bataan. These developments, built through joint ventures, reflect our commitment to sustainable and design-driven communities. They will carry forward our philosophy of eco-friendly architecture while opening opportunities in some of the country’s most dynamic and promising locations.
This new chapter of IDC coincides with a broader economic outlook that points to resilience. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects the Philippines to grow by 5.9 percent next year, slightly higher than its earlier forecast of 5.8 percent. For this year, growth is expected at 5.5 percent, still within the government’s target range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent.
These figures are more than numbers on paper; they represent confidence in our ability to sustain momentum. For property developers, steady growth means families will continue to aspire for homes, businesses will expand, and cities will evolve. The strength of the economy provides the backdrop against which companies like IDC can plan and invest with confidence.
The appointment of Frederick Go as Secretary of Finance, succeeding Ralph Recto who now serves as Executive Secretary, further strengthens this outlook. With experience in both government and private enterprise, including his role as Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary Go brings a perspective shaped by years of engagement with business and policy.
I believe the new Finance Secretary will continue the trajectory of growth and stability that we have achieved in recent years. The business community welcomes his appointment as it signals continuity in economic management, which is vital for industries that depend on long-term planning.
For property development, this means we can move forward with projects knowing that fiscal policy will support expansion. The IMF’s forecast, the appointment of a capable Finance Secretary, and Italpinas’ own leadership transition all point to a future of resilience and renewal.
Challenges will remain, but the foundations are strong. I am optimistic that the Philippines will continue to grow, and that our industry will play a vital role in shaping cities that are not only prosperous but also sustainable.
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